Prayagraj's Olympic-Size Swimming Pool Set for Revival After 7-Year Closure
In a significant development for sports infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, the Olympic-size swimming pool in Georgetown, Prayagraj, is finally poised for revival after remaining shut for seven long years. The state government has issued formal orders to resume the long-pending construction and repair work, effectively clearing the way for completion of this stalled project that has frustrated local athletes and coaches alike.
Construction Timeline and Financial Allocation
Work is officially scheduled to commence in mid-March, with the construction of a new tube well and extensive repairs forming the core of the revival plan. Approximately Rs 2.25 crore will be allocated to complete the unfinished works, bringing much-needed investment to this neglected facility.
The executing agency, CDS, has already floated tenders following the government's approval, and funds are expected to be released shortly to ensure work can proceed without further bureaucratic delays. This financial commitment represents a crucial step toward restoring a vital training ground for the city's aquatic athletes.
Technical Challenges and Project History
The renovation of this swimming pool originally began back in 2019, but the project encountered significant technical setbacks. In 2023, when authorities attempted to restart operations, the old tube well failed during testing procedures, highlighting the infrastructure's deterioration during years of neglect.
A revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) was subsequently submitted for approval, covering both the new tube well installation and additional repair works. This comprehensive plan has now received the government's formal nod, providing a clear roadmap for the facility's restoration.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Overhaul
Beyond addressing the critical water supply system, the revival project encompasses a thorough overhaul of the entire facility:
- Rebuilding of the spectator gallery to accommodate future competitions
- Repairing the diving platform to ensure safety standards for competitive swimmers
- Overhauling essential infrastructure including toilets, electrical fittings, water pipelines, and tiles
Officials have set an ambitious target to complete all works by the end of April, with plans to hand over the facility to the sports department in time for the crucial summer training season when demand for swimming facilities peaks.
Impact on Local Swimming Community
The prolonged seven-year closure has significantly impacted aspiring swimmers throughout Prayagraj. Nearly Rs 3.25 crore was already spent earlier on renovation before the project stalled, representing substantial wasted investment in sports infrastructure.
For the past three years, a female swimming coach posted in Prayagraj has remained without a functional pool to conduct proper training sessions. In the absence of adequate facilities, many children were forced to practice in the Yamuna river, raising serious concerns about safety and the lack of structured coaching for developing athletes.
The revival of this Olympic-size pool promises to restore proper training conditions and potentially nurture future swimming talent from the region, addressing years of neglect in aquatic sports infrastructure.
